Inside: Our #StopToSeeNB, two night family visit to Miramichi, New Brunswick. Sharing what we did in Miramichi, where we ate and where we stayed.
Stop two on our series “#StopToSeeNB – Visiting Hometowns In New Brunswick”, is Miramichi, New Brunswick. This was a fun-filled 3 days in Miramichi, experiencing history, the Folksong Festival, boat rides, ziplining and more.
We were hosted by the city of Miramichi and followed an itinerary created for us on this visit. All opinions and experiences are our own. We partner with destinations and businesses we feel fit our audience and brand.
With this blog series, we are on a journey to share some of the reasons we love New Brunswick, why we are proud to be from here, and it is a way instill a sense of belonging in our children. We are a family of 4, Ruth Ann (me), Doug (my husband), Lorne (16 yrs) and Clayton (6 yrs), and traveling most of the time with our dog Bo. We will highlight the things we saw, where we ate and where we stayed in each place we visit.
Before this visit to Miramichi, we had been up for day trips, for events or festivals, or stopped in while driving through. This 3 days in Miramichi was the perfect amount of time to really explore and experience the city as a destination. Honestly, we could have stayed longer, as we found other things we are looking forward to checking out on a future trip.
Here is an overview of what we did, be sure to watch the blog in the coming weeks for more detailed posts on some of the activities we did and the places we visited.
What we did in Miramichi, NB:
Miramichi Folksong Festival
We attended the Thursday evening concert of the Miramichi Folk Festival. It was a fun evening of music, in a packed room. This festival was in its 62nd year and is a 5-day event for the whole family. I grew up listening to and singing this kind of music and truly enjoyed the evening. I was not sure about Clayton, but let me tell you, when The Lumber Jills hit the stage, he started to boogie! lol I have a video to prove it (check out our Facebook page, we shared it there!)
Clayton fell in love with The Lumber Jills instantly, asking if we could purchase their CD at the intermission. He also had the pleasure of meeting them and getting their autographs on his CD.
Beaverbrook House
On Friday morning we toured the boyhood home of Lord Beaverbrook and met him in person; as portrayed by character actor Tom Daley. He took us on a walking tour, telling tales of nearby buildings, a graveyard, and the town square. We finished our tour with a little snack and a look around the house.
We visited the cemetery outside the church where Max Aitken’s father was a minister.
Miramichi River Boat Tours
On Friday afternoon we went on a 1.5 hr interpretive tour of the Miramichi River aboard the Max Aitken riverboat, guided by Captain Azade Hache. We spent most of the trip on the upper deck as we had the perfect day for a boat tour.
What a beautiful afternoon we spent on the Max Aitken touring the Miramichi River. It was warm, but as they turned the boat around to return to the wharf, we caught the breeze and it was so lovely.
Clayton was able to “captain” the boat on the way back and even received his Captain’s License and a tattoo from Captain Hache.
Over the Cove Zipline
We then finished off our adventures for the day at French Fort Cove, with a zipline across the cove for Doug and Lorne. They both enjoyed this so much. Lorne, as you can see, was completely at ease with it and enjoyed every moment!
I am proud of Doug, who is usually not a fan of heights. He mentioned he would like to try it, so I was happy to be able to take photos and video of this experience for him.
Beaubears Island
As you know, if you have ever followed our adventures before, we love our museums and historical sites. Saturday morning we explored Beaubears island on a historical tour with costumed characters.
The tour included a boat ride to Wilson’s Point to hear about the years the Acadians spent there, visit the church and graveyard, and then we went to Beaubears Island. We learned about the shipbuilding history of the island, and the past owners. There are trails you can explore and beautiful beaches. All the buildings were removed by the previous owner, and foundations of some remain. It is a beautiful spot to spend a few hours enjoying nature and learning about the rich history of the region.
Through many of our travels, there is an Acadian connection at most historic sites, this tour was fabulous at teaching about the Acadian deportation, and Clayton even noticed there were connections to Port Royal (where we visited in Nova Scotia the week before).
Gallan’s Miramichi River Tubing
We had a 1.5-2hr relaxing experience tubing on the Miramichi River booked for Saturday afternoon, but as we pulled up to Gallan’s, they were holding off sending people out do to thunderstorms in the area. We spoke with the owner, and decided we would try another time, as we did not want to get stuck on the river, even if it was in the distance, with thunder rolling and a 6 year old terrified of the sound. We will be heading back to try this experience out in the future, as everyone we spoke to mentioned that Gallan’s is the best river tubing around.
Where We Ate in Miramichi, NB:
Jane Street Grill
Restaurant located in the Howard Johnson Hotel on Jane St. in Miramichi. We loved the nachos and each had lovely Mel’s there. It was a busy place by the time we were leaving, with a good mixture of locals and people from away.
Goodie Shop Restaurant
Breakfast at the Goodie Shop Restaurant was a true downhome experience. I had the fishcake, baked beans, and egg breakfast, Doug had eggs benny, Clayton had a smartie pancake and Lorne had eggs, bacon, pan fries and toast.
Dooryard Co.
We enjoyed a healthy lunch at the DIY salad bar at the Dooryard Co. They provided many options and we loved the wooden cutlery and cardboard boxes for the salad. It’s a great spot to stop for lunch or to grab your meal on the go. There were many ready-to-go options as well including smoothies + smoothie bowls, kombucha, takeout soups, healthy treats + desserts, along with plant based + gluten free options. Food is locally sourced and grown on-site.
Esty’s Fish n Chips
A true Miramichi tradition! This is a takeout restaurant that has been located at 512 Newcastle Blvd for years. We enjoyed our fish and chips, the traditional fried fish and homemade fries were a treat!
Mill Cove Coffee
We passed this cafe on our first walk around the town when we arrived Thursday. It became our coffee spot, with a few fancy treats as well.
I enjoyed a Chai Latte one evening while Clayton and Lorne both had the Cream Frappes.
Vera Kitchen & Bar
Located on the upper deck at Ritchie Wharf, Vera Kitchen and Bar is a seasonal restaurant offering up small plates of locally sourced, brilliantly prepared food. We shared a few plates among us and it was by far the best meal we have had in a while. We tried the Spinach Dip, Bacon + Swiss Sliders, Chicken Tinga Tacos and Shrimp Ceviche Tacos. Topping it off with a couple of local brews from Timber Ship Brewing (for Doug and I, of course).
We also enjoyed local craft beer from Timber Ship Brewing.
Cake-A-Chance
If you are looking for a treat, this is the place! We tried the Oreo Cupcake, Pistachio Square, and Oreo Truffle…all amazing. They even offer keto options!
They had the cutest sign in front of the shop!
Where we stayed in Miramichi, NB:
Howard Johnson Miramichi
Within a 15-minute walk of the hotel, you can get to the town square, Beaverbrook House and Ritchie Wharf.
This hotel features a restaurant, an indoor pool, and a small fitness room. It also offers free perks like a buffet breakfast, which was lovely) and free parking. Featuring conveniences like refrigerators and microwaves in every room, the guestrooms also offer free WiFi and wired Internet, as well as TVs with cable channels. This hotel is dog-friendly as well.
See our other #StopToSeeNB features:
Alma, New Brunswick
Bathurst, New Brunswick
Miramichi, New Brunswick
Sackville, New Brunswick
This blog series, #StopToSeeNB, is focusing on the reasons to stop, stay, shop and eat in New Brunswick. We are featuring family-friendly and dog-friendly travel destinations in Hometowns across New Brunswick, Canada. This is an ongoing series that will feature destinations during various seasons and of varying sizes. From villages & towns to islands and cities, we want to share all that New Brunswick has to offer. Contact us if you are interested in having your hometown featured.